DepEd to include media literacy education in school curriculum

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education is set to introduce media literacy education in the elementary and high school curriculum.

Education Secretary Mona Dumlao-Valisno said the inclusion of media literacy education in the basic education curriculum will protect children from the negative effects of the harmful contents of all forms of media.

“We believe that our young learners need to be protected from adverse media which they encounter everyday while in the process of acquiring information and entertainment,” said Valisno.

She said she has ordered the creation of a Media Literacy Task Force (MLTF) to develop a National Media Literacy Education (NMLE) curriculum that would help children understand and handle media.

“Our children need help in developing their skill to distinguish good news from bad news and good programs from bad ones,” explained Valisno.

According to Valisno, recent studies such as the Cartoon Network New Generations 2009 survey, the 2008 AC Nielsen kids study and the 2002 PCTVF Media Violence Study showed the prevalence of TV viewing among children and the youth.

The NMLE is set to be integrated in the Basic Education Curriculum under the Social Studies subject for the elementary level and under English Communication Arts/Values in the high school level.